Month-long fitness challenge ends in Ex Chimo River Run
Members of 14 Mission Support Squadron’s Construction Engineer Flight (CE Flt) at 14 Wing Greenwood, along with engineers from other locations, successfully completed more than 4,600 kilometres of planned physical activity throughout June before concluding the initiative with Ex Chimo River Run ‘26, an iron warrior-inspired event designed to celebrate the month’s accomplishments.
The “CE Summer Slam” was a month-long competition pitting senior ranks against junior ranks, while encouraging all participants to work toward a common fitness goal. Members tracked distances through running, hiking, rucking and cycling (cycling distances adjusted to one-third value) for competition scoring.
What began as a local initiative quickly gained momentum, with the addition of senior engineers from Gagetown, Gander, Ottawa and North Bay joining the challenge. Their participation reflected the engineer branch motto, Ubique (“Everywhere”), demonstrating the strong connections that exist through the Construction Engineering community.
Behind the scenes, Master Corporal Mark Rodden, Corporal Matt Villeneuve and Aviator Faith Clarke volunteered throughout the month to develop competition concepts, collect and organize participant data, and produce the weekly standings that kept members engaged and motivated.
The senior ranks were led by CE Flight Sergeant Major Master Warrant Officer Blake Roach and the incoming commanding officer of 14 Construction Engineer Squadron, Major Jordan Vadala, who combined for more than 400 kilometres of running during the month – an impressive accomplishment. Villeneuve and Clarke brought their energy and enthusiasm to their lead roles with the junior ranks.
Participants achieved numerous personal milestones throughout June, including 40-kilometre ruck marches, sub 21- and 23-minute five-kilometre runs, 60+ kilometre cycling sessions and half-marathons.
Before the initiative concluded June 30, the engineers had one final push: with Ex Chimo River Run ’26 June 26, with teams navigating a course combining portage, rucking, canoeing, cycling, running and knowledge challenges. The event provided a fitting conclusion to a month dedicated to fitness, camaraderie and engineer spirit. The race covered a 12-kilometre route, as teams put in to the Annapolis Rover from the Greenwood Golf Course, paddled south to the Bridge Street bridge in Kingston and returned, with separate biking, running and portage legs around the golf course and along Thunderbird Way to the finish line. The winning team name was The River Run Legends, including team members Corporal Matt Villeneuve, Corporal Tyler MacDonald, Corporal Julien Chiasson-Losier and Corporal Michael Jones.
Congratulations to all participants who challenged themselves, supported their teammates and contributed to the success of this initiative.
